Sergeant Bluff-Luton Community Schools Regular Board Meeting

Mission Statement

In partnership with parents and the community, the SB-L Schools will challenge students to take personal responsibility for their education and to apply their learning to a diverse and changing world. Attendees Voting Members

Tammy Matthey, Board Director

Lillyan Rodriguez, Board Director

Jeff Wright, President

Jason Gehling, Board Director

Absent: Matt Britton

1. Call to Order

The regular September 2024 meeting of the Sergeant Bluff-Luton Board of Education was called to order by President Jeff Wright at 6:00 a.m. The meeting was held in the Elementary School Art Room.

2. Approval of the Agenda

Motion made by: Tammy Matthey

Motion seconded by: Lillyan Rodriguez

Voting:

Unanimously Approved

3. Welcome Visitors & Guests

President Wright welcomed the visitors and asked if anyone present wished to address the board. No oral or written comments were given.

4. Approval of minutes from the previous meetings The minutes of the meetings from August 2024 were reviewed by the board. 

Motion made by: Tammy Matthey

Motion seconded by: Lillyan Rodriguez

Voting:

Unanimously Approved

5. Approval of the Secretary’s Monthly Reports

Motion made by: Jason Gehling

Motion seconded by: Lillyan Rodriguez

Voting:

Unanimously Approved

6. Approval of Current Bills

The current bills were reviewed by the board. Motion made by: Jason Gehling

Motion seconded by: Lillyan Rodriguez

Voting:

Tammy Matthey - Abstain

Lillyan Rodriguez - Yes

Jeff Wright - Yes

Jason Gehling - Yes

7. Recognition

Mr. Hayes recognized our coaches and players for a letter received from the Iowa High School Athletic Association congratulating SBL coaches and players on their conduct and sportsmanship during the 2023-24 school year. Mr. Klingensmith recognized the High School Grant Writing Team for their effort in our SBL High School being awarded a $175,000 Therapeutic Classroom Grant. One out of ten schools in Iowa was awarded the grant this year. The Grant writing team includes Mr. Leiss, Mrs. Utesch, Mrs. Sweatt, Mr. Jansen and Mr. Klingensmith. Mr. Janzen recognized our Primary School Nurse, Tina Johnson-Zimney for her help with a student getting hearing aids. The parent emailed Mr. Janzen to inform him about what a positive difference this has made to her child.

8. Administrative Reports

a. Dr. Brown

Dr. Brown discussed a parents' newsletter that was sent out at the beginning of the school year with a survey. The survey asked parents about the strengths of the Middle School, and what they can focus on to support families and students. She reviewed the responses and the action that is taking place and how some of the changes are going. She also surveyed her staff and discussed their responses. Dr. Brown provided the goals that were created for the Middle School.

b. Mr. Klingensmith

Mr. Klingensmith discussed what is happening in the High School and the enrollment numbers, which are up to 550 students. Professional Development was reviewed. Mr. Klingensmith provided information regarding the Therapeutic Classroom Grant the High School was awarded this year. This $175,000 grant will provide services and systems throughout the school. This is for any students whose emotional, social, or behavioral needs interfere with the student’s ability to be successful in the current educational environment. The grant will pay for Four Oaks and training for the staff. Mr. Klingensmith discussed the Humanity Launch for the Senior Leadership Retreat and the Freshman Humanity Launch Pad retreat in preparation for high school.

9. Action Items

a. Resignations

Recommendation to approve the new resignations as presented:

Bowman, Alexa - Primary School Associate

Towne, Beverly - Elementary School Kitchen

Motion made by: Jason Gehling

Motion seconded by: Tammy Matthey

Voting:

Unanimously Approved

b. New contracts

Recommendation to approve the new contracts as presented:

Luse, Cadi - High School Associate Level 6 $17.05

Oerman, Amy - 7th Grade Asst Volleyball Coach Step 1 $1,580

Gray, Andrea - Elementary School Kitchen Level 4 16.45

Dawdy, Ashley - Primary School Preschool Associate Level 4 $16.65

Hanner, Jessica - Primary School Preschool Associate Level 5 $16.85

Motion made by: Tammy Matthey

Motion seconded by: Lillyan Rodriguez

Voting:

Unanimously Approved

c. Open Enrollment

Recommendation to deny the reviewed open enrollments. 

Motion made by: Tammy Matthey

Motion seconded by: Jason Gehling

Voting:

Unanimously Approved

d. Review of the Early Retirement Policy #407.3

Motion to maintain the Early Retirement Policy #407.3 as presented.

Motion made by: Tammy Matthey

Motion seconded by: Lillyan Rodriguez

Voting:

Unanimously Approved

e. Substitute Pay

Motion to approve substitute teacher and retired classified employee pay as presented, plus consideration of additional information. 

Motion made by: Tammy Matthey

Motion seconded by: Jason Gehling

Voting:

Tammy Matthey - Yes

Lillyan Rodriguez - Yes

Jeff Wright - Abstain

Jason Gehling - Yes

f. 2nd Reading School Board Policies

Approve the board policies as presented.

206.03

206.04

401.06

402.03

501.09

501.09E1 - rescind

501.09R1

501.10 - rescind

501.10R1 - rescind

501.12

501.13

501.14

501.15

502.06

505.02

603.01

607.02

701.01

701.03

703.01

703.2 - rescind

704.01

704.06R1

706.02

706.03

707.01

707.02 - rescind

707.03 - rescind

707.04

708

710.01

801.03

803.02

905.03

Motion made by: Jason Gehling

Motion seconded by: Lillyan Rodriguez

Voting:

Unanimously Approved

g. Piper Sandler Engagement Letter

SBL has been working with Tim Oswald at Piper Sandler & Co. as a financial consultant on issuing SAVE Revenue Bonds. 

Motion made by: Tammy Matthey

Motion seconded by: Lillyan Rodriguez

Voting:

Unanimously Approved

h. Approve contract with Four Oaks for Therapeutic Classroom Grant

Motion to approve the contract with Four Oaks. Motion made by: Jason Gehling

Motion seconded by: Lillyan Rodriguez

Voting:

Unanimously Approved

10. Superintendent Report

a. Review of the Insufficient Classroom Space Policy #606.06

The board discussed the Insufficient Classroom Space Policy #606.06.

b. Enrollment Update

Mr. Janzen provided updated enrollment numbers for the new school year.

c. Facility Update

Mr. Janzen provided an update on long-term facility planning and the November bond issue.

d. Little Warriors Y-Club

Mr. Janzen provided an update on the Little Wariors Y-Club.

e. Kitchen Report

Mr. Janzen gave an update on plans for the school lunch program for 2024-2025

f. Homecoming

Mr. Janzen discussed moving the Homecoming activities due to school activity conflicts every night of homecoming week. This has happened other years, but the district was always able to get an activity moved to a different date in order to have an open night for the parade and coronation.

11. Adjourn

Adjourn at 7:59 a.m. Motion made by: Lillyan Rodriguez

Motion seconded by: Jason Gehling

Voting:

Unanimously Approved

Board President Board Secretary